Verstappen: “I didn’t expect to be second”

Very discreet and especially in the background since the start of the weekend, Max Verstappen woke up this Saturday afternoon. Determined, the Dutch lion completed an excellent qualifying session crowned with a very good second place, depriving Mercedes a new double. A boon for the pilot Red Bull.

« In Q3, and especially on my last fast lap, the car was pretty good. I didn't expect to be second on the grid so yes I'm definitely delighted ».

And to get a car “ pretty good » as he says, Max Verstappen and his team had to work a lot. Indeed, the Dutchman did not have a good feeling behind the wheel of his RB16 during his first driving sessions in Sochi.

« We couldn't find the right balance yesterday (Friday). The car was sliding a lot. Even this morning, I wasn't entirely satisfied with his performance. We worked a lot to find this right balance ". A balance which allowed him to land a first row for Sunday.

As for the race, Max Verstappen expects a lively start as the distance to the first corner is long (more than 900 meters): “ The impact of suction is very important on this circuit. If we manage to get a good start, we can be in a good position going into the second corner. It will be very interesting tomorrow ».